‘Scary plan could snooker me’
CLUB OWNER FEARS DEVELOPERS’ BID TO TURN BUILDING INTO STUDENT FLATS
A POPULAR snooker hall faces “scary” plans to develop the building it occupies into student accommodation.
Developers have changed proposals to convert the old leather works factory, off Denman Street East in Radford, to build two blocks and a courtyard as part of a new complex of 73 student flats.
The building is currently occupied by the Hidden Spot Lounge snooker hall, which opened in 2013.
Owner Tarajmeer Kakar, 43, from Beeston, said he was not optimistic, calling the prospect of the application getting the go-ahead from Nottingham City Council a “scary” one.
He said: “I am very fearful and scared of this being approved. I am not looking forward to this year at all.
“I have been doing this for more than 10 years and for it to all go down the drain, the building up of the business and customers, would be awful.
“I could not imagine moving out, I do not think I would be able to get a similar place without paying a lot more.”
The club has 12 full-size snooker tables, and a number of English and
American Pool tables, and a membership of around 800.
Mr Kakar added: “A lot of my customers have come here for years.
“When I have mentioned it to them they have said that they would sign a petition to keep me here.
“There are so many student buildings everywhere already in the city centre, like the one at the Toyota and Lexus place on Derby Road.
“What is going to happen to local businesses that need space?”
Most of the original factory building has been demolished and replaced with warehouses.
Mr Kakar took out a 20-year lease but a condition in the agreement meant “after five years they [the landlord] can serve a notice to finish the lease”.
“The five years has gone now, the landlord has the right to serve me a notice at any time.”
The amended application was submitted by Sandy Kay Ltd.
A planning statement read: “Denman Street is an exciting project which aims to provide new student accommodation close to Nottingham city centre.
“The proposals will restore and conserve the existing leather works factory and will develop the rest of the site into a sought-after location for students to live.”